transformation

noun

trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio)
-fȯr-
1
: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed
2
: false hair worn especially by a woman to replace or supplement natural hair
3
a(1)
: the operation of changing (as by rotation or mapping) one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule
especially : a change of variables or coordinates in which a function of new variables or coordinates is substituted for each original variable or coordinate
(2)
: the formula that effects a transformation
c
: an operation that converts (as by insertion, deletion, or permutation) one grammatical string (such as a sentence) into another
also : a formal statement of such an operation
4
: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another bacterial cell
also : genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

Examples of transformation in a Sentence

The building underwent various transformations over the years. a raven-haired starlet who underwent an attention-getting transformation and showed up at the awards ceremony as a blonde
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clutching a weapon with a human head affixed to the end, and adorned with condor wings and deer antlers from his dismembered victims, the mythical creature conveys strength and transformation. Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 July 2025 In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 37-year-old opened up about the transformation of her mindset and body after welcoming her son, Tristan, with husband Tarek El Moussa. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025 Ezell died in 1998 and did not live to see the remarkable transformation. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 How did food become the pathway to a solution and transformation for you? Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for transformation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transformation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

transformation

noun
trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio)
-fȯr-
: an act, process, or example of transforming or being transformed
transformational
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

transformation

noun
trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən, -fȯr- How to pronounce transformation (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed see malignant transformation
2
a
: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another ruptured bacterial cell compare transduction sense 2
b
: genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

More from Merriam-Webster on transformation

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